CVE-2020-3957 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

VMware Fusion (11.x before 11.5.5), VMware Remote Console for Mac (11.x and prior), and VMware Horizon Client for Mac (5.x and prior) are affected by a local privilege escalation vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2020-3957

This CVE identifies a local privilege escalation vulnerability in multiple VMware products.

What is CVE-2020-3957?

CVE-2020-3957 is a Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) issue in the service opener of VMware Fusion, VMware Remote Console for Mac, and VMware Horizon Client for Mac.

The Impact of CVE-2020-3957

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers with normal user privileges to elevate their privileges to root on the system where the affected VMware products are installed.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-3957

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a TOCTOU issue in the service opener of the affected VMware products.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware Fusion: 11.x before 11.5.5
VMware Remote Console for Mac: 11.x and prior
VMware Horizon Client for Mac: 5.x and prior

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with regular user privileges can exploit the TOCTOU issue to escalate their privileges to root on the compromised system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-3957 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security patches provided by VMware promptly.
Monitor for any unauthorized system changes or privilege escalations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Regularly update and patch all software and applications to prevent vulnerabilities.
Conduct security awareness training to educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities.
Utilize security tools like intrusion detection systems to monitor for unusual behavior.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected VMware products are updated to the patched versions to mitigate the local privilege escalation vulnerability.